BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Washington Archibald High School (WAHS) have retained the Inter-School Championships title, capturing a total of 23 gold medals in the process.
The school, for the second time in the 36-year history of the TDC Inter-School Championships, were declared winners of the competition that was dominated for many years by Sandy Point High and Basseterre High Schools.
WAHS, also known as Washy Wildcats, amassed a total 22 gold medals and won a cash prize of EC$5 000.
In second place was Verchild’s High with 17 gold medals; they won a cash prize of EC$3 000. And third was Charles E. Mills Secondary with 14 gold medals and EC$2 000.
Basseterre High School placed fourth with 11 gold medals and EC$1 000, while Charlestown Secondary School were fifth with nine gold medals and EC$750, and Cayon High in sixth position with six gold medals and EC$500.
The monetary prize was sponsored by the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletics Association.
The final of the three-day event which began on March 23, saw a packed stadium of about 6 000 and 28 records broken with Rosalie Pringle of Verchilds High School emerging Victrix Ludorum for the third consecutive time and Nathaniel Huggins of Charles E. Mills Secondary School (Sandy Point) b eingcrowned the new Victor Ludorum.
After completion of the final race and before the announcement of the champion school, Washy students and fans had already begun celebrating on the field with noise makers and an impromptu band.
After the official announcement was made there was even a bigger celebration just before the closing ceremony and prize giving.
Speaking with SKNVibes on the school’s victory, Donnel Esdaille, one of WAHS’ coaches, said he was very proud of the children for their valiant effort.
“We we were down on Saturday and it seemed as though people had given up, but the children didn’t give up and neither did the coaches. We just stuck with it…we knew we could win,” he said.
And by being “down”, Esdaille referred to the one gold medal lead they had on Verchild’s High and Charles E. Mills Secondary. They both had nine gold medals each at the end of the second day.
It was too close for comfort for the determined Wildcats who made sure they went hard for the final day and executed professional behaviour on the track.
“I want to commend my coaches Mr. Rouse, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Saddler and Mr. Gumbs. We tried to keep them focused and that was the key. Once they were focused they were able to execute, and that’s what made us look so professional. It’s all about hard work, planning and preparing. Those who are more organised and plan better will always come out victorious,” he said.
A total of 28 records were broken with eight coming from WAHS.
